Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
Viewing: Tues 20th May from 12pm
Auction: Wed 21st May from 9am
Location: St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE
1987 Mercedes-Benz 500SL
Estimate
£16, 000 - £20, 000
Registration No: D754 ELM
Chassis No: WDB1070462A061383
MOT: April 2026
Post-1986 galvanised chassis example, UK supplied from new
A notably fine example that wears its mileage well
Presented with a file demonstrating much expenditure and regular maintenance during its life
Offered with body-coloured hardtop
The mighty Mercedes R107-series SL was launched in 1971 to replace the long-lived - and loved - W113-series 'Pagoda' SL that had first appeared in 1963. Though dispensing with Mercedes' usual model identification, it was based on the suspension of the W114 saloon and the model ran till 1989 with more than 237, 000 examples built: with the exception of the G-Wagen, this was the longest single series ever produced by Mercedes-Benz. Equipped with a 3. 5-litre V8 at UK launch, progressively larger engines were offered, through 380 and 420 V8, later 280 and 300 'sixes' and ultimately the 4973cc, 245bhp 500SL made between 1980-'89. This model, with its all-alloy fuel-injected V8, was made for Europe only (though a few slipped into North America as grey imports) and, with 60mph available in 7. 4 secs and a top speed of 140mph, was faster even than the US, Japan and Australian-market 560SL. Plenty of R107s (and its longer-wheelbase coupe variant the SLC) come to market but 500SLs are still a rarity, with only 11, 812 built. From 1986, the R107 was facelifted and featured upgrades including a Bosch KE Jetronic fuel injection, ABS brakes, sundry galvanised panels and recalibrated suspension etc, and are particularly sought after by enthusiasts as a result.
Chassis WDB1070462A061383 was first registered in the UK on the 23rd January 1987 and specified in the attractive colour scheme of Champagne Gold over a Cream leather interior. Little is known of its early history; however its recorded history begins with the previous owner, with many invoices on file pertaining to its ongoing maintenance. The vendor acquired the 500SL during April 2017 on the recommendation of a Mercedes specialist, and it was noted that despite its mileage (now reading 161, 000 miles) it was a particularly attractive and original example that had been well cared for previously.
Upon inspection, ‘D754 ELM’ certainly stood up to the vendor’s description of having ‘very good to excellent’ bodywork and paintwork evidencing great care taken in its preservation throughout its years. The vendor states that the interior trim is also ‘very good’ and the original leather seating appears supple, with the only indication of its mileage being on the driver’s seat bolster. The original loop-pile carpets also remain in noticeably fine fettle. Having used the car sparingly and continually having the car looked after by a local garage, the Mercedes-Benz is said to be in ‘very good’ mechanical shape with an ‘excellent’ engine, although the vendor has advised that the cruise control has never worked during his ownership, and he hasn’t fixed it as it is not a feature that he uses.
If you are looking for a genuinely usable example that is reasonably priced only because of the numbers indicated on the odometer, then ‘D754 ELM’ should provide many years of faithful service to any prospective new owner.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
